Hector Wildcats freshman Rustin Hays posted a double-double, 17 points and 10 rebounds, as Hector qualified for the 2A state tournament with a 50-30 win over Magazine in the regional tournament Thursday night. (THE COURIER / Submitted)

MAGAZINE — It only takes one win during the regional tournament to qualify for the state tournament and for the first time in seven years, the Hector Wildcats have done just that with a 80-50 win over the Magazine Rattlers.

The win not only secures them a spot in the Class 2A state tournament, it marks the most points the team has scored all year.

“We’re very excited,” head coach Cody Vaught said. “The team believed they coudl win, but I don’t think they believed they could win by such a wide margin.”

The Wildcats wracked up 20 assists, which Vaught said was key to their winning the game. Jordan Chisum had eight assists and Hunter Davis had four.

“We played tough man-to-man defense,” Vaught said. “We kept at it and we moved the ball really well with 20 assists.”

The Wildcats only led by three after the first quarter, 20-17, but began widening the margin by halftine. When the teams took to the locker room for the break the score was 47-34. After the third quarter, Hector outscored Magazine 28-7 to put the game out of reach.

Chandler Stanek led Hector in scoring with 26 points, followed by Hays, who finished with a double-double: 17 points and 10 rebounds.

Davis knocked back 15 points and Jacob Cronister added 13 to contribute to the Wildcat victory.

“We have our spot in state,” Vaught said. “From here we’re just playing for seeding.”

Dover Lady Pirates slip from tournament

MAUMELLE — After winning the 4A District tournament, the Dover Lady Pirates were bumped from the first round of the 4A Regional tournament held in Maumelle on Thursday. The Lady Pirates slipped behind the Gentry Lady Pioneers 54-42.

Dover led 11-9 after the first quarter and continued to lead, 20-15 at the half, however, a 23-9 run by the Lady Pioneers in the third halted Dover’s hopes for a state championship run.

Kaitline Meador chipped in 14 points for the Lady Pirates, followed by Carlee Williams who scored 10 points.

Prairie Grove SG 51, Dardanelle 23

MAUMELLE — The Dardanelle Lady Sand Lizards saw their season come to a close with a 51-23 loss to the Prairie Grove Lady Tigers in the first round of the 4A regional tournament.

Korlin Cunningham put in 16 points for the Lady Lizards, but it was to no avail. Amy Duncan added three points and Kelly Farris and Stefanie Traigle each added two.